State Memorial Service held at UVIC for former NDP Premier Dave Barrett

A state memorial service will be held Saturday at the University of Victoria for the former British Columbia premier, who died last month in the capital city. Dave Barrett lost his long battle with Alzhueimer's at the age of 87. He famously swept the provincial N.D.P. into power for the first time in 1972 by defeating the five-term Social Credit government of W.A.C. Bennett. While in power Barrett's government was hard working, passing a record 357 bills that led to reforms like public auto insurance and the creation of the Agricultural Land Reserve. His legacy also included accomplishments such as welfare reforms, a provincial ambulance service and affordable prescription drugs through a pharma-care program.

BC NDP Leader John Horgan says what Barrett was able to accomplish during his short time in power was extraordinary and he remembers him bringing 'BC swagger' to Ottawa when he was elected to the federal NDP in the 1980s.